UPDATE: Flash flooding in Dante; town of St. Paul stepping up to help residents in flood aftermath
UPDATE: Russell County Virginia has implemented a "Declaration of Emergency" on July 18, 2025, at 3:33 P.M. due to flooding in the Dante, Virginia area with expected additional storms in the County over the weekend. A declaration of a local emergency as defined in § 44-146.16 shall activate the County's Emergency Operations Plan.
UPDATE: The town of St. Paul is stepping up in relief efforts to help the people of Dante.
A social media post Saturday morning was posted to Facebook to rally support from town residents and those outside the St. Paul area in efforts to provide residents of Dante essentials following massive flooding on Friday.
In response to recent flooding in the community of Dante, local officials and volunteers are coordinating a Supply Donation and Giveaway Event to support affected residents. This will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, beginning at 12:00 PM at the Dante Community Center.
This will provide essential supplies to individuals and families impacted by the flood. In the event that the Dante Community Center is inaccessible due to flood damage or road closures, the alternate location will be the St. Paul Town Hall, located at 16531 Russell Street, St. Paul, VA.
Donations are welcomed and strongly encouraged. Community members, organizations, and businesses are invited to contribute essential items such as cleaning supplies, bottled water, non-perishable food, hygiene products, and other emergency relief items. Additional donation items can be found in the list below. All contributions will directly support those affected by the flooding in Dante. All donations should be taken to the St Paul Town Hall (16531 Russell Street, St Paul, VA 24283) at 10 AM. Any prepared meals should be taken to Morning Star Church (18240 Alt US-58 E, Castlewood, VA).
Hot food, showers, cell phone chargers, WiFi, and other necessities will be available at the Community Center. Additionally, breakfast will be provided for those affected at 9:30 AM followed by lunch at 12:30 PM and dinner at 5:30 PM.
The Saint Paul Pool will be available for showers as well from Noon to 5:30 PM.
Donation Items:
Bottled Water
Men & Women Hygiene Items – Soap, Shampoo, Deodorant, etc.
Non-perishable Food Items
Cleaning Supplies
Laundry Detergent
Diapers
Baby Wipes & Formula
Clothing Items
(DANTE) - The community of Dante located near the Dickenson/Russell County border, has been inundated by flooding that took place on Friday afternoon.
Photos and video circulating on social media show a large area affected by the flooding. According to Russell County Sheriff Bill Watson, there have been zero fatalities.
Crews are working to clear the roads to “make them passable” and getting displaced individuals and families into the community center for shelter.
The Virginia Department of Transportation confirmed in a social media post that the following roads are closed:
Route 63
Route 627
Route 608
Parts of the Bunchtown area in Dante were evacuated due to the flooding, according to Russell County EMA officials. Those evacuated were being moved to the Dante Community Center. Additionally, there were reports of some people trapped in their homes and one vehicle was found floating with the occupants and was rescued at a bridge.
The Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office said high water has made some roads “impassable and dangerous.”
Officials are advising the public to avoid the area.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is urging residents to remain vigilant as flooding persists throughout the night. He made a statement via social media:
“Asking Virginians to stay alert as storms are continuing tonight across the state, with flooding in Russell County and warnings across Southside, Central, and the Shenandoah area and moving east. Many areas are already soaked, and prone to flood. Local and State First Responders are coordinating with Virginia Emergency Management. VDOT is removing fallen trees blocking roads.”
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin
There were reports of flooding in Russell County near Cleveland and also in Wise County as reports of flooding occurring in the Toms Creek area of the county.
